Cerebellar hemangioblastoma mimicking an aneurysm: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Hemangioblastomas (HBMs) are highly vascular tumors of the central nervous system. Sporadic HBMs are nearly always solitary, and solitary HBMs are similar to intracranial arteriovenous malformations due to their highly vascular characteristics. However, to the best of our knowledge, cases of HBM in the cerebellum mimicking an aneurysm have never been reported in the literature. The present study reports a case of an HBM on the right cerebellar hemisphere mimicking an aneurysm, which originated from the right posterior inferior cerebellar artery, as determined using magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography. The patient was admitted the Department of Neurosurgery at the Tsinghua University Yuquan Hospital (Beijing, China) in January 2015 due to a 4-year history of intermittent headaches. The diagnosis of an HBM was determined during surgery and the tumor was totally resected by changing the operation technique, with no complications. In conclusion, it is difficult to distinguish between HBMs and intracranial vascular diseases, particularly aneurysms. Surgeons should consider the possibility carefully prior to surgery and careful prepare for each eventuality.

Intracranial varix of the transverse-sigmoid dural arteriovenous fistula mimicking a ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm: A case report

“…There are some reports that other bleeding sources, such as DAVF,[ 1 , 3 , 11 , 13 ] cavernomas,[ 18 , 21 ] hemangioblastomas,[ 7 , 15 ] arachnoid cyst,[ 17 ] and gliomas,[ 16 ] were mistaken for an aneurysmal rupture on initial imaging modalities. In addition, venous structures, such as a venous loop, can also be mistaken for aneurysms.…”

Ruptured Medullary Hemangioblastoma Mimicking a Craniocervical Junction Dural Arteriovenous Fistula with a Pseudoaneurysm

“…HBMs are varied in appearance, including solid, solid-cystic, or mainly cystic with a small mural, vascularized nidus [ 3 ]. While sporadic HBMs typically present as solitary lesions, their marked vascularity makes them easily mistaken for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or even aneurysms [ 4 , 5 ]. Herein, we present a unique case of a ruptured HBM located in the medulla, which mimicked a craniocervical junction dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) with an aneurysm.…”

“…3 While sporadic HBMs typically present as solitary lesions, their marked vascularity makes them easily mistaken for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or even aneurysms. 4,5 Herein, we present a unique case of a ruptured HBM located in the medulla, which mimicked a craniocervical junction dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) with an aneurysm. This diagnosis was subsequently confirmed post-surgical resection.…”